Two-man Saws: what to look for?

[computeruser]

Never content to leave well enough alone, I’ve been thinking about getting a couple classic saws together for folks to play with at GTGs. In particular, I’ve been thinking it might be fun to pick up an old two-man saw. But I know nearly nothing about them. So before I start looking in earnest, I have a couple questions:

-Are there any particular makes or models that I should seek out or that I should be careful to avoid?

-Are there any models that are decidedly easier to source parts for than others?

-What kind of price range should I expect running or nearly-running examples go for? How about fully restored ones?

 

[McC]

McCulloch 2mans such as 7-55, 5-49, 99 have a difficult carb. you have to make a metering diaphram if it doesn't run. They are probably the fastest for timed cuts, and are lighter than most. Malls such as model 7 have a float carb. They float is cork, but a simple cleaning and it should work. They are not as fast as the macs in small wood, but give the macs a run in the bigger stuff. Disston (Merc) are good, but will probably need coils (2) at $50 ea. Macs have chipper chain, many others have scratcher. The scratcher will cut nearly as fast as the chipper, but takes longer to sharpen. I have posted some 2man videos on youtube, my user name is macandmall. I also have hotsaw videos posted there as well.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UhLYPc5F-5Q
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGQlhDastvY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3APCY9njo0
Scott

 

[computeruser]

Thanks for the links to the videos, Scott. That Disston sounds great at idle! I can only imagine what the neighbors would say.

Once I get the 044 and the Ford up and running I'll definitely have to start looking for a 2-man.

 

[Bill G]

If you ever want to make the drive south from East Lansing you can take a look at some of mine and see which you like (Mac, Mall, Disston, Hornet)

Bill

 

[computeruser]

If you ever want to make the drive south from East Lansing you can take a look at some of mine and see which you like (Mac, Mall, Disston, Hornet)

Bill

Thanks for the invite, I will defitely take you up on it. Not sure when, exactly, but you've got far too many fun saws hanging around for me not to make the trip.

 

[weimedog]

The Disston have a smooth character thats hard to describe. Two cylinder outboard style Mecury motors driving a gearbox for the bar&chain.

Motor and ignition parts are available thru a variety of sources related to rebuilding old Mercury outboards. (I haven't researched the guts but it looks to be a KG-7.)

I haven't experimented much yet, but I have a sneeking suspicion that the simple mods used to make those old mercs really turn will work on the DA-211 series Disstons. My spare DA-211 power head is going have that opportunity

 

[Rleonard]

I sold the Disston that I restored for my Dad. Thinking about that and knowing where 2 unrestored saws are, I am going to try to pick them up and build up another DA-211. They are a sweet machine. Oh that sound....

Bob